Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa's expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest.

"Lyse, be gentle. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.

Sean, who was in the driver's seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh.

"Jasper, I have a question for you." She poked his chest and asked angrily, "Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?"

His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, "Lyse, how did you hear about it?"

"How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!" Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas' update to Jasper.

"Damn it!" Enraged, he punched the car window. "By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage."

"They're being delusional. What era are we in now? They can't possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!" Clenching her jaw, she said, "If Lauren refuses to marry, not even the president can make her!"

"But Lauren agreed to the marriage."

"What? But why?" Alyssa and Sean gasped in unison.

"Lauren said that being with Landon was too burdensome."

"That's a

trouble for Landon and Angie if she kept dating

so, she can leave Landon. Why does she have to marry Freddy?" Looking skeptical, Alyssa surmised, "Has Mr. Javier pressured her? What did he say

Javier in front of

time, it was Alyssa's turn to punch the car window. Fortunately, the solid build of the Rolls Royce was able to

to breathe from the heartache. She lamented, "Oh, Lauren. That was

hold a grudge against you and hit back at you in the future, taking

than to risk her happiness. That was

you silly girl." Jasper, tormented by pain, shook his

Alyssa cussed, "Son of a bitch! I'd rather Lauren marry Cyrus than that good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson! I'd rather keep a nice young lady like Lauren

pursed his lips. He wondered, "Lyse, do you think Landon stands a chance to get back

of." Resting in Jasper's arms, Alyssa sighed softly. "Lauren

was immediately emailed to the inboxes of all company

an unemployed bum who had nothing to do with the Harper Group except when it

gathered his friends at night to have fun and release his frustration at The Millennium, a famous luxurious

accused Cornelius of being a wolf in sheep's clothing who'd sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice but to comfort him, assuring him that he would one day

time before Preston made his return

Millennium. Rumors had it that she was fucking gorgeous. Get her here to drink with me!" Preston, completely smashed,